Events

Celebrate National Postdoc Appreciation Week with us!

September 21-25, 2026 | Recognizing 150 years of the U.S. Postdoc Position

​The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) held the inaugural National Postdoc Appreciation Day on September 24, 2009, with participation from 70 institutions across 27 states and in 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives officially recognized National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW), beginning on the third Monday of September.

This year's celebration marks 150 years of the U.S. postdoc position, tracing back to the first fellowships established in America in 1876. As such, we've put together a record lineup of events to celebrate you and your hard work during NPAW — because you deserve a week that's about more than your research. All events are free and open to all postdocs. Whether you join one or all 16, we hope to see you there!

Click on each event below the calendar to learn more and register.
And don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list for updates and event reminders.

Here's what we've got coming up:

Monday, September 21, 2026

Breathe, Stretch, Belong: A Yoga and Wellness Session | 8:30 – 9:30 AM | Cathedral Lawn

Instructor: Dr. Amit Kumar Prasad

Start the week on a calm note with a free morning yoga class. We hope to create a peaceful and meaningful space where postdocs can pause, reconnect, and focus on well-being beyond their busy research lives. No experience needed, just show up and breathe.

Register here!

Munch & Mingle | 12:30 – 1:30 PM | Biomedical Science Tower (BST) Lobby

Calling all hungry postdocs! Come get free snacks & mingle with your fellow postdocs. We'll have fresh fruit, juice, allergy-friendly snacks, and more!

Recreation Facilities Tour & Volleyball/Basketball | 5:00 – 8:00 PM | Recreation and Wellness Center (RWC)

Get ready to discover your new favorite spot on campus! Join a UPPDA representative for a guided tour of Pitt's Recreation Center from 5:00–6:00 PM and see everything it has to offer — from the gym and pool to fitness classes and court bookings.

And the fun doesn't stop there!

Stay from 6:00–8:00 PM for a casual volleyball and basketball session with fellow postdocs. Whether you're an athlete or just looking for a fun way to wrap up the week, come move, connect, and have a great time!

Registration is now closed

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

The Morning Blend | 8:30 – 10:00 AM | The Assembly, room 2085 (2nd floor)

Start your morning with a warm cup and even warmer company. A relaxed coffee break to connect with fellow postdocs. We'll bring the FREE coffee, munchkins, allergy-friendly snacks, and more!

Home Away From Home: Housing, Transition, & Community Support for Postdocs | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Zoom

Featuring: SabbaticalHomes

Moving to a new city for a postdoc is exciting — and overwhelming. Join us for a webinar with SabbaticalHomes exploring housing options, navigating transitions, and finding community support as you settle into life in Pittsburgh. Whether you're newly arrived or still figuring it out, this one's for you.

SabbaticalHomes is the original temporary housing network for academics, connecting a global community across 65+ countries since 2000. With more than 11,000 furnished listings for relocations, research trips, fellowships, and family stays, the platform is built to flex around the realities of academic life.

In this webinar, the SabbaticalHomes team will demonstrate how the platform works, show how postdocs are using it to find housing that fits their timeline and budget and share member testimonials. Attendees will also get a look at real listings across sizes and price points in major university cities, so you can see exactly what's available.

Presenters:

Nadege Conger, Founder & President
Nadege (Na-dej) is a French transplant who landed in southern California after earning her MBA at McGill University in Montreal and working at Disney in Paris and Deloitte and Touche. As part of an academic family and surrounded by scholarly friends, she recognized the challenges of finding suitable international accommodations for their careers and research goals. Inspired by the emerging possibilities of the internet, she founded SabbaticalHomes.com in 2000. The platform has since supported academics worldwide, streamlining their travel and facilitating idea exchange. To date more than 2 million users in over 65 countries have joined the community.

Becky McCalla, Marketing Director
Becky McCalla has worked alongside Nadege Conger since 2019, leading partnerships, university relations and marketing initiatives for SabbaticalHomes. She plays an integral role in website management and ongoing platform improvements, while also overseeing copywriting and member communications. A graduate of University of California, Berkeley, Becky brings extensive marketing experience across a wide range of industries, including consumer packaged goods, automotive, and healthcare. In her current role, she loves helping scholars, researchers, writers, and artists connect through meaningful housing experiences around the world.

Skylar Jones, Marketing Assistant
Skylar Jones joined SabbaticalHomes as a Marketing Assistant in 2025, managing social media, blog content, member video testimonials, analytics and digital marketing projects. She helps highlight member experiences, housing resources, and platform updates for the SabbaticalHomes community in all communications. Skylar graduated from the University of Washington with degrees in Psychology and Sociology and is currently pursuing a marketing certificate through UCLA Extension.

Link to join: https://pitt.zoom.us/j/92628382160

Snack O'Clock | 12:30 – 1:30 PM | Benedum Hall, 11th floor conference room (1145)

Science is hard. Snacks help. Drop by for a midday break, refuel, and catch up with fellow postdocs who are also pretending their experiments aren't running behind schedule. We're bringing FREE fresh fruit, juice, allergy-friendly snacks, and more!

Reel Connections Movie & Popcorn | 5:30 – 8:00 PM | Bridgeside Pointe II, 2nd floor conference room (202)

The Intouchables (2011) presented by our Networking Chair, Marie-Charlotte Allichon

As part of our movie night series, Marie-Charlotte is excited to share one of her favorite films from home: The Intouchables (2011), one of the most beloved French comedies of the past two decades. The story follows Philippe, a wealthy quadriplegic aristocrat, and Driss, a young man from the Paris projects hired as his caregiver despite having no qualifications for the job. What begins as an unlikely pairing grows into a genuine friendship, as Driss brings humor and spontaneity into Philippe's world, while Philippe opens doors Driss never thought possible for himself.

Beyond the story itself, this film is a great window into French humor, social dynamics, and storytelling style, and it remains one of the most-watched French films internationally, so a good one to know if you want a taste of French cinema! Expect a mix of laughs, heart, and maybe a few uniquely French cultural references Marie-Charlotte will be happy to explain.

Come enjoy some popcorn, a great story, and a little piece of French culture!

Register here

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Brew & Connect | 8:30 – 10:00 AM | Bridgeside Pointe II, 2nd floor lunch room

Every great connection starts somewhere. Pull up a chair, pour a cup, and spend a few minutes with the postdoc community. We'll bring the FREE coffee, munchkins, allergy-friendly snacks, and more!

Navigating the Postdoc Experience: Support, Strategies, and the Ombuds as a Resource | 10:00 – 11:00 AM | Zoom

This virtual session is designed to help postdocs learn about confidential support, communication strategies, and resources available through the Ombuds Office. The session will highlight how the Ombuds can support postdocs in navigating workplace concerns, conflict, stress, and professional challenges in a neutral and safe space.

Link to join: https://pitt.zoom.us/j/98454395214

Annual Fall Picnic | 5:00 – 8:00 PM | Vietnam Veteran's Pavillion, Schenley Park

We are so excited that NPAW will again include our Annual Fall Picnic! Join us for a fun-filled, family-friendly event in the great outdoors of Schenley Park. This is the perfect opportunity to relax, enjoy the crisp autumn weather, and connect with fellow postdocs and their families. Bring your loved ones, enjoy great food, and participate in a variety of outdoor activities. Don’t miss out on this chance to unwind and build our postdoc community!

Registration is now closed

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Fresh Brew, Fresh Faces | 8:30 – 10:00 AM | Mercy Vision Institute (Uptown), Conference Room No 4.221B

Good coffee is best shared. Drop in for a casual morning break and see who you meet across the postdoc community. We'll have FREE coffee, munchkins, allergy-friendly snacks, and more just for you!

Postdoc Sketch Hour: Celebrating 150 Years of Discovery | 12:30 – 2:00 PM | Scaife Hall, room 1101

Turns out there's more to postdoc life than pipettes and papers. Join us for a fun and relaxing midday drawing session! Whether you're a seasoned artist or haven't picked up a pencil since grade school, this is the perfect chance to step away from the research, get creative in a different way, and connect with fellow postdocs. All skill levels are welcome. Come as you are - all you need to bring is yourself!

Register here!

150 Years of Postdocs in the United States: A CMU x Pitt Postdoc Celebration | 3:00 – 4:00 PM | Danforth Lounge, Cohon University Center (2nd floor), CMU Campus

Join CMU’s Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Affairs and the University of Pittsburgh Postdoctoral Association for a multi-institution celebration of the 2026 National Postdoc Appreciation Week! Meet other postdocs, grow your network, and build community as we recognize 150 years of postdocs in the United States.

Register here!

*This is a drop-in event. Stop by for coffee/tea and snacks even if you didn't register!

Friday, September 25, 2026

Dog Meetup | 8:30 – 10:00 AM | Schenley Park

Start your morning with the best kind of therapy — dogs. Bring your furry friend (and poop bags!) or just show up for the cuddles and the morning stroll. Either way, it's the happiest way to kick off your Friday.

Walk Details:

Distance: 0.8 mile 
Time: 19-20 min
Starting point: Panther Hollow, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Ending point: Mary Schenley Memorial Fountain, Schenley Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Postdoc Town Hall | 1:30 – 3:30 PM | BST S120 & Zoom

Whether you’re just starting your postdoctoral journey or continuing your journey, we invite you to join the UPPDA Executive Board for a townhall designed specifically for Pitt postdocs.

What to expect?

• A comprehensive overview of the benefits, tools, and support systems available to you
• Insights into the exciting opportunities and vibrant culture within our postdoc community
• An open Q&A where you can share your questions, ideas, and feedback
• A preview of our upcoming plans and initiatives for the academic year
• Snacks (FREE!)

Why attend?

This is your chance to connect with fellow postdocs, access valuable resources, and play an active role in shaping the postdoc experience at Pitt. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to engage and grow within your community!

Link to join: https://pitt.zoom.us/j/99054252996

*Please join us in person or on Zoom even if you didn't register!

Postdoc Meetup | 6:00 – 8:00 PM | Pins Mechanical Co., Southside Works

Cap off the week with good fun and even better company. Join us in Southside Works for an evening out at Pins, where you're given permission to act like a kid again! No agenda, no lab talk required — just an opportunity to play and connect with your peers.

*Please note: food and drinks are on you. Pins offers full-service bars with a diverse range of beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks. However, they do not offer food service, so guests are encouraged to bring their own or have it delivered (remember utensils!).

Address: 407 Cinema Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15203
*Make sure to bring your ID (US driver’s license, State-issued ID, Military ID, or Passport)

We need your help!

Keep us informed!

You probably know of events, updates, or opportunities that we don’t but might interest your peers. Whether it’s a job opening, an upcoming conference, a call for papers, or any other relevant news, we encourage you to contribute. Let us know and we will help spread the word via our website and/or newsletters. Share with us here!

It’s time to brag!

We want to celebrate our postdoc’s wins, no matter how big or small! Have you or a postdoc you know published a paper? Presented at a conference? Received an award or job offer? Gotten engaged or married? Turned another year older? Let us know and we will celebrate you on our website and in our next newsletter. Share your wins with us here!

Do you have other ideas on how to support our Pitt Postdoc community? 
Email us to get involved!